Method of operating a camera timing module

ABSTRACT

A timer module is arranged to be mechanically and electronically coupled to a digital image capture camera module and one or more memory modules. A method of operating the timer module includes initially querying the one or more memory modules to determine available memory storage locations. Once the available memory locations are determined the timer module instructs the image capture module to capture images and transfer them to the memory modules a number of times on the basis of the available digital image storage locations. The elapsed time between the image captures may be set as desired by a user of the module.

This is Continuation of Ser. No. 10/636,276 filed on Aug. 8, 2003

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a timer module useful in a digital imaging system. It is useful for controlling image capture by a digital image sensor or camera. The timer module finds particular application in a compact printer system able to print full-color, business card size documents from a device about the size of a pen.

Reference may be had to co-pending applications claiming priority from Australian Provisional Patent Application number PQ0560 dated 25 May 1999. The co-pending applications describe related modules and methods for implementing the compact printer system. The co-pending applications are as follows: USSN or Patent Docket Number No. Title 09/575,182 PP01 Compact Color Printer Module 6,712,452 PP02 Modular Compact Printer System 6,416,160 PP03 Nozzle Capping Mechanism 6,238,043 PP04 Ink Cartridge for Compact Printer System 09/575,119 PP07 Controller for Printer Module 6,812,972 PP08 Camera Module for Compact Printer System 09/575,157 PP09 Image Processor for Camera Module 6,554,459 PP10 Memory Module for Compact Printer System 09/575,134 PP11 Effects Module for Compact Printer System 09/575,121 PP12 Effects Processor for Effects Module 6,804026 PP15 Color Conversion Method for Compact Printer System 09/575,120 PP16 Method and Apparatus of Dithering 09/575,122 PP17 Method and Apparatus of Image Conversion

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Microelectronic manufacturing techniques have led to the miniaturization of numerous devices. Mobile phones, personal digital assistant devices, and digital cameras are very common examples of the miniaturization trend.

One device that has not seen the advantage of microelectronic manufacturing techniques is the printer. Commercially available printers are large compared to many of the devices they could support. For instance, it is impractical to carry a color printer for the purpose of instantly printing photographs taken with known compact digital cameras.

A compact printhead has been described in co-pending United States patent applications filed simultaneously to the present application and hereby incorporated by cross reference: USSN or Patent Number Docket No. Title 09/575,152 MJ62 Fluidic seal for an ink jet nozzle assembly 6,428,133 IJ52 Ink jet printhead having a moving nozzle with an externally arranged actuator 6,526,658 IJM52 Method of manufacture of an ink jet printhead having a moving nozzle with an externally arranged actuator 09/575,176 MJ63 Ink jet printhead nozzle array 6,390,591 MJ58 Nozzle guard for an ink jet printhead

Some cameras have self-timers that allow a user time to move into frame before a photo is taken. Self-timers are only useful for capturing a single image. Some cameras also have the facility for taking multiple frames but this generally requires the user to maintain pressure on a ‘take’ button. In any event, the timers are built in to the camera and have fixed functionality.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one form, the invention resides in a timer module comprising:

-   a body; -   control means within said body that automates the capture of     multiple images by a camera module, the capture of each image being     separated by a specific time interval; at least one connection means     incorporated in said body for connecting said timer module to a bus     providing power and data between said timer module and said camera     module.

In a further form the invention resides in a timer module for a compact printer system comprising:

-   a body; -   control means within said body that automates the capture of     multiple images by a connected camera module, the capture of each     image being separated by a specific time interval; -   at least one connection means incorporated in said body for     connecting said effects module to a bus providing power and data     between said effects module and said camera module.

In a still further form the invention resides in a method of automating the capture of multiple images by a camera module in a compact printer system comprising the steps of:

-   setting a specific time interval between said capture of said     images, -   setting an initial image number on a connected memory module, -   starting said image capture process.

Further features of the invention will be evident from the following description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to assist with describing preferred embodiments of the invention, reference will be made to the following figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a printer module;

FIG. 2 is a camera module;

FIG. 3 is a memory module;

FIG. 4 is a communication module;

FIG. 5 is a flash module;

FIG. 6 is a timer module;

FIG. 7 is a laser module;

FIG. 8 is an effects module;

FIG. 9 is a characters module;

FIG. 10 is an adaptor module;

FIG. 11 is a pen module;

FIG. 12 is a dispenser module;

FIG. 13 is a first compact printer configuration;

FIG. 14 is a second compact printer configuration;

FIG. 15 is a third compact printer configuration;

FIG. 16 is a fourth compact printer configuration;

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the timer module;

FIG. 18 is an exploded view of the timer module; and

FIG. 19 is a block schematic diagram of a processor for the timer module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The invention is described in terms of the application to a compact printer system. It will be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular application but rather can be employed with any digital imaging system. Nonetheless, the compact printer system provides a convenient environment in which to describe the details of the timer module invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 12, there are shown various modules that together form a compact printer system. Individual modules can be attached and detached from the compact printer configuration to allow a user-definable solution to business-card sized printing. Images can also be transferred from one compact printer to another without the use of a secondary computer system. Modules have a minimal user-interface to allow straightforward interaction.

A compact printer system configuration consists of a number of compact printer modules connected together. Each compact printer module has a function that contributes to the overall functionality of the particular compact printer configuration. Each compact printer module is typically shaped like part of a pen, physically connecting with other compact printer modules to form the complete pen-shaped device. The length of the compact printer device depends on the number and type of compact printer modules connected. The functionality of a compact printer configuration depends on the compact printer modules in the given configuration.

The compact printer modules connect both physically and logically. The physical connection allows modules to be connected in any order, and the logical connection is taken care of by the compact printer Serial Bus—a bus that provides power, allows the modules to self configure and provides for the transfer of data.

In terms of physical connection, most compact printer modules consist of a central body, a male connector at one end, and a female connector at the other. Since most modules have both a male and female connector, the modules can typically be connected in any order. Certain modules only have a male or a female connector, but this is determined by the function of the module. Adaptor modules allow these single-connector modules to be connected at either end of a given compact printer configuration.

A four wire physical connection between all the compact printer modules provides the logical connection between them in the form of the compact printer Serial Bus. The compact printer Serial Bus provides power to each module, and provides the means by which data is transferred between modules. Importantly, the compact printer Serial Bus and accompanying protocol provides the means by which the compact printer system auto-configures, reducing the user-interface burden on the end-user.

Compact printer modules can be grouped into three types:

-   -   image processing modules including a Printer Module (FIG. 1), a         Camera Module (FIG. 2), and a Memory Module (FIG. 3). Image         processing modules are primarily what sets the compact printer         system apart from other pen-like devices. Image processing         modules capture, print, store or manipulate photographic images;     -   housekeeping modules including an Adapter Module (FIG. 10), an         Effects Module (FIG. 8), a Communications Module (FIG. 4), and a         Timer Module (FIG. 6). Housekeeping modules provide services to         other modules or extended functionality to other modules; and     -   isolated modules including a Pen Module (FIG. 11) and a Laser         Module (FIG. 7). Isolated modules are those that attach to the         compact printer system but are completely independent of any         other module. They do not necessarily require power, and may         even provide their own power. Isolated Modules are defined         because the functionality they provide is typically incorporated         into other pen-like devices.

Although housekeeping modules and isolated modules are useful components in a compact printer system, they are extras in a system dedicated to image processing and photographic manipulation. Life size (1:1) illustrations of the compact printer modules are shown in FIGS. 1 to 12, and example configurations produced by connecting various modules together are shown in FIGS. 13 to 16.

FIG. 1 shows a printer module that incorporates a compact printhead described in co-pending United States patent applications listed in the Background section of this application, incorporated herewith by reference, and referred to herewith as a Memjet printhead. The Memjet printhead is a drop-on-demand 1600 dpi inkjet printer that produces bi-level dots in up to 4 colors to produce a printed page of a particular width. Since the printhead prints dots at 1600 dpi, each dot is approximately 22.5 μm in diameter, and spaced 15.875 μm apart. Because the printing is bi-level, the input image should be dithered or error-diffused for best results. Typically a Memjet printhead for a particular application is page-width. This enables the printhead to be stationary and allows the paper to move past the printhead. A Memjet printhead is composed of a number of identical {fraction (1/2)} inch Memjet segments.

The printer module 10 comprises a body 11 housing the Memjet printhead. Power is supplied by a three volt battery housed in battery compartment 12. The printhead is activated to commence printing when a business card (or similar sized printable media) is inserted into slot 13. Male connector 14 and female connector 15 facilitate connection of other modules to the printer module 10.

FIG. 2 shows a camera module 20. The camera module provides a point-and-shoot camera component to the compact printer system as a means of capturing images. The camera module comprises a body 21 having a female connector 22. A lens 23 directs an image to an image sensor and specialized image processing chip within the camera 24. A conventional view finder 25 is provided as well as a lens cap 26. An image is captured when the Take button 27 is pushed. Captured images are transferred to the Printer Module 10 for subsequent printing, manipulation, or storage. The Camera Module also contains a self-timer mode similar to that found on regular cameras.

FIG. 3 shows a Memory Module 30 comprising a body 31, LCD 32, IN button 33, OUT button 34 and SELECT button 35. The Memory Module 30 is a standard module used for storing photographic images captured by the Camera 20. The memory module stores 48 images, each of which can be accessed either at full resolution or at thumbnail resolution. Full resolution provides read and write access to individual images, and thumbnail resolution provides read access to 16 images at once in thumbnail form.

The Memory Module 30 attaches to other modules via a female connector 36 or male connector 37. The male and female connectors allow the module to be connected at either end of a configuration. Power may be provided from the Printer Module 10 via the Serial Bus or from another source, such as a separate power module.

A Communications Module 40 is shown in FIG. 4. The communications module 40 consists of a connector 41 and a cable 42 that terminates in an appropriate connector for a computer port, such as a USB port, RS232 serial port or parallel port. The Communications Module 40 allows the compact printer system to be connected to a computer. When so connected, images can be transferred between the computer and the various modules of the compact printer system. The communications module allows captured images to be downloaded to the computer, and new images for printing to be uploaded into the printer module 10 and the memory module 30.

A Flash Module 50 is shown in FIG. 5. The Flash Module 50 is used to generate a flash with flash cell 51 when taking photographs with the Camera Module 20. The Flash Module attaches to other modules via female connector 52 and male connector 53. It contains its own power source. The Flash Module is automatically selected by the Camera Module when required. A simple switch allows the Flash Module to be explicitly turned off to maximize battery life.

FIG. 6 shows a Timer Module 60 that is used to automate the taking of multiple photos with the Camera Module 20, each photo separated by a specific time interval. The captured photos are stored in Memory Module 30. Any flash requirements are handled by the Camera Module 20, and can therefore be ignored by the Timer Module. The Timer Module 60 consists of a body 61 housing an optional LCD 62, START/STOP button 63 and UNITS button 64. The LCD is optional since data from the Timer Module could be sent on the serial bus to a specific display module. Nonetheless, it is convenient to consider the LCD as part of the Timer Module.

A SELECT button 65 allows the user to select time units and the number of units are set by UNITS button 64. The Timer Module 60 includes a male connector 66 and female connector 67. The Timer Module takes its power from the Printer Module 10 via the Serial Bus or from another source, such as a separate power module.

A Laser Module 70 is shown in FIG. 7. The Laser Module 70 consists of a body 71 containing a conventional laser pointer operated by button 72. As the Laser Module is a terminal module it only has one connector, which in the example is a male connector 73. The Laser Module is an isolated module, in that it does not perform any image capture, storage, or processing. It exists as a functional addition to the compact printer system. It is provided because laser pointer services are typically incorporated into other pen-like devices. The Laser Module contains its own power supply and does not appear as a device on the Serial Bus.

The Effects Module shown in FIG. 8 is an image processing module. It allows a user to select a number of effects and applies them to the current image stored in the Printer Module 10 or memory module 30. The effects include borders, clip-art, captions, warps, color changes, and painting styles. The Effects Module comprises a body 81 housing custom electronics and a LCD 82. A CHOOSE button 83 allows a user to choose between a number of different types of effects. A SELECT button 84 allows the user to select one effect from the number of effects of the chosen type. Pressing the APPLY button 85 applies the effect to image stored in the Printer Module 10. The Effects Module obtains power from the Serial Bus. Male connector 86 and female connector 87 allow the Effects Module to be connected to other compact printer system modules.

FIG. 9 shows a Character Module 90 that is a special type of Effects Module (described above) that only contains character clip-art effects of a given topic or genre. Examples include The Simpsons®, Star Wars®, Batman®, and Dilbert® as well as company specific modules for McDonalds® etc. As such it is an image processing module. It consists of a body 91 housing custom electronics and a LCD 92. SELECT button 93 allows the user to choose the effect that is to be applied with APPLY button 94. The Character Module obtains power from the Serial Bus through male connector 95 and female connector 96.

The Adaptor Module 100, shown in FIG. 10, is a female/female connector that allows connection between two modules that terminate in male connectors. A male/male connector (not shown) allows connection between two modules that terminate in female connectors. The Adaptor Module is a housekeeping module, in that it facilitates the use of other modules, and does not perform any specific processing of its own.

All “through” modules have a male connector at one end, and a female connector at the other end. The modules can therefore be chained together, with each module connected at either end of the chain. However some modules, such as the Laser Module 70, are terminating modules, and therefore have either a male or female connector only. Such single-connector modules can only be connected at one end of the chain. If two such modules are to be connected at the one time, an Adaptor Module 100 is required.

FIG. 11 shows a Pen Module 110 which is a pen in a module form. It is an isolated module in that it attaches to the compact printer system but is completely independent of any other module. It does not consume or require any power. The Pen Module is defined because it is a convenient extension of a pen shaped, pen sized device. It may also come with a cap 111. The cap may be used to keep terminating connectors clean in the case where the chain ends with a connector rather than a terminating module.

To assist with accurately feeding a business card sized print media into slot 13 of the printer module 10, a dispenser module 120 is provided as shown in FIG. 12. The dispenser module 120 comprises a body 121 that holds a store of business card sized print media. A Printer Module 10 locates into socket 122 on the dispenser module 120. When correctly aligned, a card dispensed from the dispenser module by slider 123 enters slot 13 and is printed.

In the sense that a minimum configuration compact printer system must be able to print out photos, a minimum compact printer configuration contains at least a Printer Module 10. The Printer Module holds a single photographic image that can be printed out via its Memjet printer. It also contains the 3V battery required to power the compact printer system.

In this minimum configuration, the user is only able to print out photos. Each time a user inserts a business card 130 into the slot in the Printer Module, the image in the Printer Module is printed onto the card. The same image is printed each time a business card is inserted into the printer. In this minimum configuration there is no way for a user to change the image that is printed. The dispenser module 120 can be used to feed cards 130 into the Printer Module with a minimum of fuss, as shown in FIG. 13.

By connecting a Camera Module 20 to the minimum configuration compact printer system the user now has an instant printing digital camera in a pen, as shown in FIG. 14. The Camera Module 20 provides the mechanism for capturing images and the Printer Module 10 provides the mechanism for printing them out. The battery in the Printer Module provides power for both the camera and the printer.

When the user presses the “Take” button 27 on the Camera Module 20, the image is captured by the camera 24 and transferred to the Printer Module 10. Each time a business card is inserted into the printer the captured image is printed out. If the user presses “Take” on the Camera Module again, the old image in the Printer Module is replaced by the new image.

If the Camera Module is subsequently detached from the compact printer system, the captured image remains in the Printer Module, and can be printed out as many times as desired. The Camera Module is simply there to capture images to be placed in the Printer Module.

FIG. 15 shows a further configuration in which a Memory Module 30 is connected to the configuration of FIG. 14. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, the user has the ability to transfer images between the Printer Module 10 and a storage area contained in the Memory Module 30. The user selects the image number on the Memory Module, and then either sends that image to the Printer Module (replacing whatever image was already stored there), or brings the current image from the Printer Module to the specified image number in the Memory Module. The Memory Module also provides a way of sending sets of thumbnail images to the Printer Module.

Multiple Memory Modules can be included in a given system, extending the number of images that can be stored. A given Memory Module can be disconnected from one compact printer system and connected to another for subsequent image printing.

With the Camera Module 20 attached to a Memory Module/Printer Module compact printer system, as shown in FIG. 15, the user can “Take” an image with the Camera Module, then transfer it to the specified image number in the Memory Module. The captured images can then be printed out in any order.

By connecting a Communications Module 40 to the minimum configuration compact printer system, the user gains the ability to transfer images between a PC and the compact printer system. FIG. 16 shows the configuration of FIG. 15 with the addition of a Communications Module 40. The Communications Module makes the Printer Module 10 and any Memory Modules 30 visible to an external computer system. This allows the download or uploading of images. The communications module also allows computer control of any connected compact printer modules, such as the Camera Module 20.

Each module is visible on the Serial Bus. Each module is self identifying and self-configuring using standard USB protocols. Apart from the standard protocol functions (including identification), there are a number of functions to which each module is also capable of responding. These are outlined in Table 1. Each module also has a number of module-specific functions. These commends allow the modules to be controlled by an external device, such as a personal computer, and by other modules. TABLE 1 Basic Module Functions Name Description GetImageCounts( ) Returns two counts - the number of images that can be read from the module, and the number of images that can be written to the module. This allows read only, write only, and virtual read only images. GetCurrentImageNumber If the module has a setting for the image number, this call returns the current image number. GetImageAccessMethods Returns two sets of 8 access bits. The first set represents the read access bits, and the second set represents the write access bits. See Table 2 for an interpretation of the bits. GetImage(N, Mode) Returns image number N using the specified 8-bit access mode. See Table 3 for an interpretation of the access mode bits. StoreImage(N, Mode) Stores an image at address N using the specified 8-bit access mode. See Table 3 for an interpretation of the access mode bits. TransferImage(N1, Mode, Transfers the image at address N1 using Dest, N2) the specified 8-bit access mode to the image at address N2 at the serial device with id Dest. See Table 3 for an interpretation of the access mode bits.

The 8-bit mode returned by GetImageAccessMethods is interpreted as follows: TABLE 2 8-bit return code from GetImageAccessMethods Bit Interpretation 0 Access 850 × 534 permitted 1 Access 534 × 850 permitted 2 Interleaved L*a*b* permitted 3 Planar L*, a*, b* permitted 4-7 Reserved, and 0

The 8-bit mode used for image read and write access via GetImage, StoreImage and TransferImage is interpreted as follows: TABLE 3 8-bit code used for read & write access Bit Interpretation 0 Orientation: 0 = 850 × 534, 1 = 534 × 850 1 0 = interleaved, 1 = planar 2-3 Color plane (valid only when bit 1 = planar) 00 = L*, 01 = a*, 10 = b*, 11 = reserved 4-7 Reserved, and 0

In some situations, certain modules may be configured without the printer module. For example, it may be convenient to configure a camera module 20 and a memory module 30 for capturing and storing images for later printing by the printer module 10. The timer module 60 and the flash module 50 may be added to the camera module 20 and memory module 30 to produce a digital camera having many of the features of a conventional camera. Additional memory modules can easily be added to provide virtually unlimited memory storage.

The above commands allow images to be transferred to and from the modules without going through the printer module. For example, the Memory Module 30 can act under control of the Timer Module 60 to transfer a captured image from the Camera Module 20 to the Memory Module 30 using the TransferImage command. The Camera Module 20 will have a module specific ‘capture’ command for capturing an image.

In the general case, the Printer Module holds the “current” image, and the other modules function with respect to this central repository of the current image. The Printer Module is therefore the central location for image interchange in the compact printer system, and the Printer Module provides a service to other modules as specified by user interaction.

A given module may act as an image source. It therefore has the ability to transfer an image to the Printer Module. A different module may act as an image store. It therefore has the ability to read the image from the Printer Module. Some modules act as both image store and image source. These modules can both read images from and write images to the Printer Module's current image.

The standard image type has a single conceptual definition. The image definition is derived from the physical attributes of the printhead used in the Printer Module. The printhead is 2 inches wide and prints at 1600 dpi in cyan, magenta and yellow bi-level dots. Consequently a printed image from the compact printer system is 3200 bi-level dots wide.

The compact printer system prints on business card sized pages (85 mm×55 mm). Since the printhead is 2 inches wide, the business cards are printed such that 1 line of dots is 2 inches. 2 inches is 50.8 mm, leaving a 2 mm edge on a standard business-card sized page. The length of the image is derived from the same card size with a 2 mm edge. Consequently the printed image length is 81 mm, which equals 5100 1600 dpi dots. The printed area of a page is therefore 81 mm×51 mm, or 5100×3200 dots.

To obtain an integral contone to bi-level ratio a contone resolution of 267 ppi (pixels per inch) is chosen. This yields a contone CMY page size of 850×534, and a contone to bi-level ratio of 1:6 in each dimension. This ratio of 1:6 provides no perceived loss of quality since the output image is bi-level.

The printhead prints dots in cyan, magenta, and yellow ink. The final output to the printed page must therefore be in the gamut of the printhead and take the attributes of the inks into account. It would at first seem reasonable to use the CMY color space to represent images. However, the printer's CMY color space does not have a linear response. This is definitely true of pigmented inks, and partially true for dye-based inks. The individual color profile of a particular device (input and output) can vary considerably. Image capture devices (such as digital cameras) typically work in RGB (red green blue) color space, and each sensor will have its own color response characteristics.

Consequently, to allow for accurate conversion, as well as to allow for future image sensors, inks, and printers, the CIE L*a*b* color model [CIE, 1986, CIE 15.2 Colorimetry: Technical Report (2^(nd) Edition), Commission Internationale De l'Eclairage] is used for the compact printer system. L*a*b* is well defined, perceptually linear, and is a superset of other traditional color spaces (such as CMY, RGB, and HSV).

The Printer Module must therefore be capable of converting L*a*b* images to the particular peculiarities of its CMY color space. However, since the compact printer system allows for connectivity to PCs, it is quite reasonable to also allow highly accurate color matching between screen and printer to be performed on the PC. However the printer driver or PC program must output L*a*b*.

Each pixel of a compact printer image is therefore represented by 24 bits: 8 bits each of L*, a*, and b*. The total image size is therefore 1,361,700 bytes (850×534×3).

Each image processing module is able to access the image stored in the Printer Module. The access is either to read the image from the Printer Module, or to write a new image to the Printer Module.

The communications protocol for image access to the Printer Module provides a choice of internal image organization. Images can be accessed either as 850×534 or as 534×850. They can also be accessed in interleaved or planar format. When accessed as interleaved, each pixel in the image is read or written as 24 bits: 8 bits each of L*, a*, b*. When accessed as planar, each of the color planes can be read or written independently. The entire image of L* pixels, a* pixels or b* pixels can be read or written at a time.

The Timer Module 60 is used to automate the capture of multiple images with a Camera Module 20, the capture of each image being separated by a specific time interval. The captured images are stored in an on-line Memory Module 30. Any flash requirements are handled by the Camera Module 20, and can therefore be ignored by the Timer Module.

FIG. 17 shows a magnified perspective view of the Timer Module 60, as previously described with reference to FIG. 6. The optional LCD 62 provides visual feedback. It contains a 2-digit numerical display 68 representing the number of time units between captured images. Three time units are available: seconds, minutes, and hours, represented by s, m, and h LCD segments respectively. A multi-segment thermometer 69 provides an animated countdown between image captures. As shown in FIG. 17, the LCD 62 is showing all segments active.

FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view of the Timer Module 60. The LCD 62 is mounted on a flexible printed circuit board (PCB) 300. With reference to FIG. 19, also formed on the PCB 300 is a simple microcontroller 351 which is suitably an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 350.

In reference to FIG. 18, the UNITS button 64 is a double button and operates in the manner of a known rocker switch to increment or decrement the number of time units. Selections made using the UNITS button 64 are communicated to the PCB 300 via contact 301.

The flexible PCB 300 is mounted on a support 303 of chassis molding 302. In the preferred embodiment the PCB 300 is mounted such that the LCD 62 lies substantially parallel with a front face 304 of the support 303. The flexible PCB 300 passes over the support such that the ASIC 350 lies substantially parallel with a back face 305 of the support 303. The flexible PCB 300 passes under the ASIC 350 and extends away from the base 306 of the chassis molding 302.

The contact 301 conforms to a curved edge of the support 303 allowing the base of UNITS button 64 to lie substantially parallel with a side face 310 of the support.

The male bayonet connector 66 comprises a cap molding 307, a latch strip 308 and a plurality of contact strips 309. The upper end of the cap molding is essentially dome-shaped and comprises two holes 311 positioned diametrically opposite each other. The holes 311 are positioned and shaped to receive the folded ends 312 of latch strip 308.

The lower end of the cap molding 307 comprises an elongated section 313 that is shaped to carry contact strips 309. The contact strips extend from the upper end of the cap molding, where they form part of the male connector 66, to the bottom of the elongated section 313. The bottom of the elongated section fits into a recess 314 in the base 306 of the chassis molding such that the contact strips 309 form part of the female bayonet connector 67.

Raised portions 315 of the contact strips 309 fit into an aperture 316 in the elongated section 313 of the cap molding. Contacts on the flexible PCB 300 mate with the raised portions 315 to make contact with the Serial Bus.

The START/STOP button 63 and the SELECT button 65 are incorporated in a molding 317. A contact in the base of the molding for each button connects with the PCB 300 when one or other of the buttons is pressed.

The internal components of the Timer Module 60 are contained within a metal extrusion 318 that comprises a plurality of apertures. It is clear from FIG. 18 the manner in which the buttons 63, 64 and 65, and the male connector 66 protrude from the extrusion through the associated apertures to perform their function.

A fascia molding 319 clips into the aperture 320 and provides a protective cover for the LCD 62.

The Timer Module 60 connects to a compact printer configuration via the male connector 66 or the female connector 67. Either the male or the female bayonet connector joins the Timer Module to the Serial Bus via contact strips 309. Power is provided to the Timer Module from the Printer Module 10 via the Serial Bus or from a separate power module.

Alternatively, the Timer Module 60 may be connected to a compact printer configuration via both the male and female bayonet connectors. An example of this principle is shown in FIG. 16 where the Memory Module 30 is connected to the Printer Module 10 via its male connector and is connected to the Communications Module 40 via its female bayonet connector.

The Timer Module 60 must be used in conjunction with a Camera Module 20 and at least one Memory Module 30. The first stage of Timer Module use is therefore to construct a configuration containing at least these Modules. Power may be provided from a power module, a Printer Module 10 or a personal computer through the communications module 40. However, the Modules may be connected in any order. The Modules are joined together using the bayonet connectors as previously described.

The Timer Module queries all the modules in the system to locate the camera module and any number of memory modules. A list is compiled of available memory modules and ranges of available image numbers within those modules. The total number of available image storage locations N is recorded. The timer then instructs the camera N times to capture images and transfer the images to the memory module until all storage locations are full. The timer waits an elapsed time between each image capture. The elapsed time is set by the user using the buttons or commanded from an external source using the timer module command set. The Timer Module commands the transfer of the captured image from the camera module to the memory module using the TransferImage command described above.

Once the START button 63 is pressed, the Timer Module 60 counts down the specified time, and then instructs the Camera Module 20 to capture and transfer an image to the appropriate Memory Module 30.

When only a single Memory Module is present in the configuration, after the START button 63 is pressed, the Timer Module continues to capture an image after every time interval has elapsed and transfer each captured image to the single Memory Module until that Memory Module is full.

When there are multiple Memory Modules in the configuration, the process is the same as for the single Memory Module, except that the Memory Modules are filled up one by one until all Memory Modules have been filled. The first Memory Module to be written to is the one physically closest to the Camera Module 20, and the last Memory Module to be written to is the one physically furthest from the Camera Module.

Two tasks need to be accomplished before the Timer Module 60 can be activated to begin a countdown. The duration of the time interval between the capture of each image must be set and the initial image number on the Memory Module(s) must be set. These tasks can be performed in any order.

The duration of the time interval between the capture of each image is set by selecting the time unit using the SELECT button 65 and then selecting the number of those units using the UNITS button 64. For example, a time interval of 30 seconds can be accomplished by selecting the seconds units, and then adjusting the number to 30. A time interval of 15 minutes can be accomplished by selecting the minutes units and then adjusting the number to 15. The Timer Unit maintains a context for each unit so as to minimize the change required by the user.

Alternatively the duration can be set from a personal computer or another module using the Timer Module command set.

The first image to be written to a specific Memory Module will be written to the current image number displayed on that Memory Module. The image number is then incremented. The image number is set by means of the SELECT button 35 on the Memory Module. Setting the initial image number before the Timer Module is activated lets the user specify how many images each Memory Module will capture. For example, setting a 48 image Memory Module to 40 allows the capture of 9 images: images 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, and 48. Once the image count reaches 48 it stops and no further images are written to that Memory Module. If multiple Memory Modules are present, the Memory Module next closest to the Camera Module will be written to.

Once the two preliminary tasks have been done, the Timer Module's START/STOP button 63 can be pressed to start the Timer Module. Pressing the START/STOP button 63 a second time stops the Timer Module. While the Timer Module is actively counting down, feedback is given in two ways. Firstly, the time unit LCD segment (s, m or h) flashes on and off (1 second on, 1 second off) to let a user know the countdown is active. Secondly, a multi-segment thermometer 69 provides an animated countdown of the proportion of time elapsed until the next image capture time.

As mentioned above, the Timer Module contains an integrated circuit 350. The elements of the integrated circuit 350 are shown in FIG. 19. These elements include a simple microcontroller 351, a Serial Bus Interface 352, a small scratch RAM 353 for storing timing instructions and a small program memory 354. State information is limited to the current time unit setting (seconds, minutes, hours), the number of time units (2-60 seconds, 1-60 minutes, 1-96 hours), whether the timer is active (yes, no), the time until the next image capture (2-60 s, 1-60 m, 1-96 h), the current Camera Module target, the current Memory Module target and the next Memory Module image number. Instructions are limited to setting the time units, setting the number of time units, starting and stopping the timer.

Also included in the ASIC is a memory decoder 355 and parallel interface 356 (that communicates with the LCD and various buttons). A Joint Test Action Group unit 357 may be included for self-test purposes. In some circumstances a clock 358 and crystal oscillator 359 may be required.

The combination of the Memory Module 30 with a Camera Module 20 constitutes a digital imaging system. This combination allows an image captured by the Camera Module to be stored in the Memory Module. The addition of the Timer Module 60 allows multiple images to be captured and stored automatically.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the preferred embodiments of the invention without limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specific collection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realize variations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fall within the scope of the invention. 

1. A method of operating a timer module in communication with an image capture module and at least one memory module to store digital images generated by the image capture module, the method comprising the steps of: querying the one or more memory modules to determine available digital image storage locations; and instructing the image capture module to capture images and transfer them to the at least one memory module a number of times on the basis of the determined available digital image storage locations.
 2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the timer module instructs the image capture module to capture images at a user selected rate.
 3. A method according to claim 2, wherein the timer module issues image capture instructions to the image capture module at the user selected rate.
 4. A method according to claim 1, wherein each of the at least one memory modules available digital image storage locations is filled with captured image data before memory space of a further memory module is filled.
 5. A method according to claim 3, wherein a time interval between the capture of consecutive images is set by means of a control located on the timer module.
 6. A method according to claim 3, wherein a time interval between the capture of consecutive images is set by means of a remote computational device in communication with the timer module. 